Zenobē has officially begun construction on one of the UK’s most ambitious battery storage projects—the Eccles site in Scotland. The 400MW/800MWh energy storage system is expected to be operational by early 2027, marking a significant step in the UK’s Clean Power by 2030 strategy. This project aims to enhance grid stability and support the nation’s transition to a low-carbon future.
A Major Leap for Battery Storage
The Eccles project is a game-changer for grid-connected battery infrastructure. With this addition, Zenobē’s total live and contracted storage capacity in Scotland has surged to 1.05GW—a massive expansion since the company launched its 50MW Wishaw project in 2022. This rapid growth highlights the increasing need for grid stability as the UK leans further into renewable energy.
Securing Financial Backing
A project of this magnitude required significant financial support. A consortium led by National Westminster Bank Plc and KKR Capital Markets Partners LLP arranged £220 million in debt financing—the largest single-asset raise in Zenobē’s history.
Cutting-Edge Grid Technology
For the first time in the UK, Tesla’s Megapack 2 XL battery energy storage system will be integrated at the Eccles site. This system, already in use in the US and Australia, brings advanced grid-forming capabilities, allowing for real-time monitoring, remote operation, and predictive diagnostics to improve efficiency and longevity.
Key Partners and Construction Plan
Zenobē has brought in leading industry players to execute the project:
- OCU Group will handle electrical and civil infrastructure construction.
- Hyosung Heavy Industries will supply super grid transformers to link the battery storage to the transmission network.
Strengthening the Grid and Reducing Costs
Beyond energy storage, Eccles will provide Stability Services through a contract with the National Energy System Operator (NESO). The project will contribute:
- 2,984MWs of inertia, representing nearly 40% of the inertia secured in the 2022 Stability Pathfinder 2 tender.
- 936MVA of short circuit level, reinforcing grid reliability as the UK shifts to renewables.
By efficiently storing and redistributing excess wind and solar power, the project is expected to save UK consumers £309 million over 15 years while preventing 4.9 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions from entering the atmosphere.
A Crucial Step Toward Net Zero
As the UK accelerates its path toward net-zero emissions, large-scale battery storage projects like Eccles are no longer optional—they are essential. By optimizing energy distribution and minimizing renewable energy wastage, Zenobē is reshaping the future of the UK’s energy landscape.
With construction in full swing, anticipation builds for 2027, when Eccles is set to become a cornerstone of the UK’s clean energy revolution.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Semih Oztreves, Zenobē’s Global Director of Network Infrastructure, stated: “With Blackhillock now live and our 300MW/600MWh Kilmarnock South battery on track for 2026, achieving financial close on Eccles underscores our commitment to delivering the Government’s Clean Power 2030 mission. We look forward to working with Tesla, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and OCU Group to bring this crucial infrastructure to life.”
Mike Snyder, Vice President of Energy & Charging at Tesla, added: “This is the UK’s first deployment of Tesla’s Grid-Forming technology at scale. Zenobē’s expertise and drive for innovation make them a strong partner as we push forward with advanced grid stability solutions.”
